Conditions weren’t ideal. Some reported low visibility and others encountered sticks or rocks that weren’t quite covered by snow. But those out enjoying the slopes were still enthusiastic about the first runs of the year.

Both hills had hoped to open last week but didn’t get the snow they needed and both mountains only had a fraction of their runs open on Wednesday, with 26 runs open at SilverStar and six at Big White.

“We do need a lot more snow to open up many more parts of the mountain, but this has been our biggest midweek opening in our history, well over a thousand skiers and snowboarders,” said Big White spokesperson Michael Ballingall.

Silver Star is bullish about attendance as well.

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“Our bookings are up and our international bookings are up,” said Erik Kalacis, director of sales and marketing for SilverStar.

Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton is currently set to open on December 10.